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Photo:William Taylor (Big Bill)

William Taylor (Big Bill)

Maralyn Eden

William (Big Bill) Taylor
By Maralyn Eden

This photo is of my grandfather, William Taylor (Big Bill). He was a fisherman in Brighton. In his prime, he was the biggest and strongest man in Brighton.

He entered weight lifting contests in the Alhambra theatre. He stood 6ft 4in in his socks, and his thick yarn sea jerseys were specially made for him. His arms were as thick as a big man's legs.

At the Brighton regatta in the early 1900s, he sculled his way to the championship of England. He was a born seaman and went to sea when he was 11 years old.

Added on 26-04-04
This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments:

Is this William Taylor any relation of William Taylor, son of Abraham Taylor, born in Brighton in 1821?

By Philip (09/11/2004)

My great-great-grandfather was a William Taylor born about 1856 and also a fisherman. He married Frances and they had four children: William, John,Sarah and Martha. Long shot, I know, but are they the same person?

By Robert Fogden (14/03/2005)

My Grandfather (photo above) was born in 1880 to John Taylor born in 1855 and Elizabeth Gunn born in 1860. The Williams I have in my family tree were born in 1663, 1701, 1760, 1802 and 1844.

By Maralyn Eden (23/10/2006)

My ancestors were fishermen in Brighton. They were my great-great-great grandfather John Taylor born c.1816, married to Ann King, and their son, also John, born c.1834. I also wonder if this is the John Taylor in the photograph of the Brighton Seamen 1864?

By Maureen Mawson (12/12/2006)

My grandfathers were all fishermen. I have researched my direct line of grandfathers back to:
George Taylor born 1623 m Joane Jeffreys
Son William Taylor born 1663 m Ann Mighell
Son William born 1701 m Ann Mayle
Son Adam Taylor born 1733 m Elizabeth Lynn
Son Harry Taylor born 1770 m Ann Gunn
Son Adam Taylor born 1807 m Elizabeth Russell
Son John Taylor born 1855 m Elizabeth Gunn
Which brings me to my grandfather William born 1880  (photo above)

By Maralyn Eden (20/01/2007)

The photograph in Brighton Fishing Museum (1864) is quite fascinating in that the names of the characters in the picture are listed below it; names of men, many of whom were related. I am surprised that neither the Museum nor the Brighton History Centre appear to hold any family trees of such fishermen, thinking particularly of Martha Gunn. It appears that one of her grand-daughters, Hannah Gunn, married Abraham Taylor in 1817. Two of their children were John Taylor (b. 1820) and William Taylor (b. 1821). These, I have assumed, are the two Taylors shown standing together in the photograph. John Taylor married a Humphrey and William married a Rolf. John would go fishing in his boat, 'Three Brothers', with Noble Humphrey and his son, Noble. There are so many John and William Taylors who were fishermen in Brighton and it would be good if some of the above details could be corroborated.

By Philip (03/03/2007)

I am related to the Rolf family and it was really interesting to read Philips comments about a marriage between the Gunns and Rolf. I would love to know more.

By Marian Mansfield (04/04/2007)

The Gunns and Rolfs did indeed marry into each other's families several times through the generations.  I have found lots of information whilst researching my family tree - I was originally looking for a link on my father's Gunn side back to Martha and actually found it on my Mum's Rolf / Pumfrey side! My tree is available at Genesreunited - anyone that can help me further I would be most grateful to hear from!

By Debbie Blake (18/06/2007)

Big Bill Taylor is my great grandfather on my Dad's side.  My Dad was Reginald William A.L. Jarvis, son of Louisa Maud Taylor who was one of Big Bill Taylor's daughters.  I am trying to trace our family tree and would appreciate any information avilable on Big Bill Taylor and family.  Please contact me if you have any information: naomi.jarvis5@btinternet.com. Thanks.

By Theresa Rose Whittle (nee Jarvis) (08/10/2007)

Could Debbie Blake please contact me. My mother was Molly Rolf and my Grandfather was James David Rolf. He married Maud Collis. I would like to know more about my family.Thank you

By Joan Taylor/Andrew /Rolf (24/08/2008)

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